Small question: Is it really necessary to reboot after a firmware flash in Windows? I can see that the drive already shows the new firmware (in Winflash and in Nero). Will the drive not work untill reboot? Thanks.

When I check the burning sped capabilities in Nero 6.6 , without a CD, I see these available speeds: x1, x2, x2.4, x3, x4, x5, x6 and Maximum. Is the way it's supposed to be without a CD? I have no x16 media to test if this changes with a CD. My current media , Precisa x4 , can only be burned at x2. Ia this related to this specific firmware, or do all firmwares of the NEC 3500 behave this way?

I spend my whole afternoon trying to decide myself between Pioneer 107 and NEC ND-3500a and I think NEC is better because of the firmware stuff. Now my little question: What is the better firmware TDK or MADDOG???